Draft

January 22, 2002

The Alexander County Board of Commissioners held a Special Called Meeting on Tuesday, January 22, 2002 in the Commissioners’ Room of the Alexander County Courthouse, Taylorsville, North Carolina.

Chairman Joel Harbinson called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.

Rev. Gary Jennings, former Pastor of East Taylorsville Baptist Church, gave the invocation and Katie Bowman, student at West Middle School and granddaughter of Rev. Jennings, led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

Chairman Harbinson presented the designation of Alexander County Chaplain to Rev. Gary Jennings and stated that this was the first time in the history of Alexander County that this designation had been given. Chairman Harbinson stated that he remembered when Rev. Jennings first came to Alexander County from Tennessee and noted that he gave a pre-game prayer once when Chairman Harbinson played football for Alexander Central High School. Chairman Harbinson also stated that his father, a Lutheran Minister, and Rev. Jennings, a Baptist Pastor, were very close friends. Chairman Harbinson explained that his father had requested that Rev. Jennings preach his funeral, which he did. Chairman Harbinson stated that, for this and many other reasons, Rev. Jennings meant a lot to him.

Commissioner Robertson stated that Rev. Jennings had been active in the community, fire department, and several civic organizations his whole life. Commissioner Robertson conveyed his appreciation to Rev. Jennings for living the message that he preached for 30 years as an example to the citizens of Alexander County.

Commissioner Watts stated that the first time he met Rev. Jennings was the day that his good friend, Bob Gryder, was killed during the summer of 1973. Commissioner Watts stated that he had went in to work that day at the WSTH radio station and saw Rev. Jennings there in the office talking to the secretary. Commissioner Watts stated that Rev. Jennings had changed quite a bit since then and conveyed his appreciation to Rev. Jennings for his 30 years of service to the community.

Commissioner Odom stated that Rev. Jennings had been a fire fighter for many years and had seen many tragedies and losses along the way. Commissioner Odom stated that on many occasions Rev. Jennings would console the fire fighters after returning to the fire department. Commissioner Odom stated that Rev. Jennings was a great mediator and was always willing to listen.

Commissioner Hammer stated that Rev. Jennings had always did what was best for mankind regardless of denomination. Commissioner Hammer also conveyed his appreciation to Rev. Jennings for his service and concern for the citizens of Alexander County.

Commissioner Harbinson urged Rev. Jennings to attend events and spread his ministry using the title of Alexander County Chaplain.

Rev. Jennings stated that he did not expect such a designation, that he had enjoyed serving 30 years as a pastor, and that Alexander County was not just a county, but was a community. Rev. Jennings thanked the Board for this recognition.

The following information was discussed during the Chairman’s Report:

1. Commissioner Hammer stated that his daughter, Sara, had been accepted to UNC Chapel Hill. Commissioner Hammer stated that she had an interest in becoming a pharmacist and had applied to Campbell University and UNC Chapel and was accepted at both. Commissioner Hammer also thanked Commissioner Watts for his help with Sara’s acceptance at Carolina.

Commissioner Watts stated that he was glad to lend a helping hand and congratulated Sara on her acceptance.

2. Chairman Harbinson stated that Senator John Edwards had visited Alexander County on Monday, January 21, 2002 and was given a "Key to the County" by the Board. While in the county, Senator Edwards jogged in Matheson Park and was very impressed with Alexander County. Chairman Harbinson noted that this year would be Senator Helms’ last year in office and felt that he should be given a "Key to the County" during his next trip to this area.
3. Chairman Harbinson stated that the Western North Carolina Local Government Caucus would hold their first meeting on February 28, 2002 in Asheville. The Caucus, consisting of 52 elected officials in the western region of the State, will strive to promote the western part of the state for funding, lobby for grants, etc.
4. Chairman Harbinson noted that Jamie Hill had discovered another large emerald in Hiddenite last week. Mr. Hill appeared on "Good Morning America" to promote his findings.
5. Chairman Harbinson stated that he had received an email from Sylvia Turnmire, Director of Planning & Development, informing him that David Craft, Centex Rooney, had turned in all permits for the construction of the Alexander Correction Facility.
6. Chairman Harbinson read a CDBG Water Hook-up Owner Certificate of Satisfaction from Alice G. Kerley, a resident of Liberty Church Road. Ms. Kerley stated that she was very happy with her water and thanked the commissioners for expanding water service in the county.
7. Russell Greene, Fire Marshal, explained, that a year ago, the county assisted the Taylorsville Fire Department is applying for a Fire Act Program grant for $70,000 for public education. Mr. Greene reported that Alexander County had received the grant and introduced Susan Brown as the new Public Safety Educator. Ms. Brown, formerly from the Senior Center, is located in Mr. Greene’s Office along with Matt Jordan, Code Enforcement Officer.

The Board welcomed Ms. Brown as the new Public Safety Educator.

Mr. Greene also noted that Rev. Jennings was the first unofficial fire marshal in the county and stated that he had been an inspiration to all fire fighters.

Frankie Watts, ABC Board President, discussed the ABC funds for Alexander Community Hospital which totaled $5,865.03. Mr. Watts stated that due to the closing of the hospital, the ABC Board could do the following with the ABC funds designated for the hospital.

1. Split the money with the County and Town totaling $2,932.52 each.
2. Ask the County for the funds to be turned over to the Town.
3. Go to the General Assembly and have the issue voted upon.

Mr. Watts stated that the ABC Board had unanimously voted to ask the Board of Commissioners to turn the funds over to the Town since the ABC store is located within the Town limits. Mr. Watts also noted that next year the funds would be divided among all receiving entities.

Commissioner Robertson noted that a portion of the funds went to Foothills for substance abuse treatment and felt that the county did benefit from the ABC funds.

Chairman Harbinson suggested tabling this issue since it had never been brought up before to allow time for the County Manager to research and gather more information in order to make a more informed decision.

Commissioner Watts agreed and stated that county staff had had no contact with the Town regarding this issue. Commissioner Watts also stated that he would like to see a breakdown as to what entities received ABC funds and how much they received.

Commissioner Odom felt that the funds should be turned over to the Town because the ABC store is located within Town limits and because the Town leased space to the ABC store.

Commissioner Robertson asked if there was time limit on this issue. Mr. Watts stated that there was not but that the ABC Board would like to have the issue resolved as soon as possible.

Commissioner Watts made a motion to table this issue until the February 12^th meeting allowing time for the County Manager to research and gather more information on the issue. Commissioner Hammer seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

Sylvia Turnmire, Director of Planning & Development, stated that the number of rezoning cases would increase due to the adoption of countywide zoning and explained that the General Statutes require that public hearings are advertised for 2 weeks. This could delay the rezoning process taking 45-60 days. Currently, the Planning & Zoning Commission and Board of Commissioners hold separate public hearings with the Board of Commissioners having authority to approve or deny a rezoning request.

Ms. Turnmire suggested holding joint public hearings between the Planning & Zoning Commission and Board of Commissioners. After the public hearing, the Planning & Zoning Commission would reconvene in another room to make a recommendation. The Planning & Zoning Commission would then reconvene with the Board of Commissioners and give the recommendation. The Board of Commissioners would then vote to approve or deny the rezoning requests. Ms. Turnmire stated that Lincoln and Gaston Counties had handled their rezoning hearings jointly and that it had cut the time frame in half.

Ms. Turnmire also addressed the issue of text amendments which also require public hearings. Ms. Turnmire stated that public hearings for text amendments could be held jointly or could remain separate between the Planning & Zoning Commission and the Board of Commissioners.

Ms. Turnmire also stated that if the Board of Commissioners agreed to hold joint public hearings with the Planning & Zoning Commission, an amendment would need to be made to the Zoning Ordinance. Ms. Turnmire stated that there were a couple of amendments that were needed to the Zoning Ordinance including regulations for private cemeteries and miniwarehouses. Ms. Turnmire stated that the regulations were simply overlooked when the ordinance was completed.

Commissioner Robertson asked how many were public hearings for rezoning cases were held last year. Ms. Turnmire stated that there were 5 rezoning cases last year and 2 rezoning cases so far this year. Commissioner Robertson stated that he wasn’t convinced that joint public hearings were needed or that the process would work better or save time. Commissioner Robertson also felt that several ordinances needed revision including the Subdivision Ordinance, Mobile Home Ordinance, and the Zoning Ordinance.

Commissioner Hammer agreed that the rezoning process took too long and stated that 60 days was too long to have to wait in the case of a property sale.

Chairman Harbinson suggested discussing these issues at the Annual Retreat scheduled for February 1-2, 2002 at the Hidden Crystal Inn. Rick French, County Manger, suggested that this discussion take place first during the County Projects discussion on Friday morning, February 1, 2002. The Board agreed.

Commissioners Robertson and Watts discussed the Community Grants project for Alexander County. Commissioner Robertson stated that the Board wanted to provide a match to volunteer groups working to improve communities and noted that the grants would be used for projects to improve the appearance or quality of life in communities. The grants will total $1,000 per community.

The Board reviewed the Community Grants materials. Commissioner Robertson stated that the Sugar Loaf Community was not listed and should be added to the list of communities in Alexander County.

Commissioner Watts discussed the point system and stated that it had been developed as a standardized system so everyone would use the same point scale. Commissioner Watts also felt that points should be added for the anticipated life of community projects. For example, a certain number of points would be awarded for projects lasting 0-5 years, 6-10 years, 10 plus years, etc. Commissioner Watts pointed out that the deadline for applications listed in the materials was March 15, 2002 and requested that that date be changed to March 31, 2002. Commissioner Watts also requested that the Board discuss the grants to be awarded at the May Commissioners’ Meeting instead of the February Commissioners’ Meeting as written in the material.

It was noted that a community grants project was first pursued in 1992. Mr. Norris Keever, a county commissioner at that time, commented on the grants project and stated that they also appropriated $1,000 for 12 communities but ended up with total projects totaling $50,000.

Commissioner Watts made a motion to approve the community grants project for a match of $1,000 per community and distribute the information to the public. Commissioner Robertson seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

Chairman Harbinson presented the following appointments:

1. BOARD OF EQUALIZATION AND REVIEW

Appoint Helen Anthony

2. PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION

Appoint Margo Mosley 2-year term

Commissioner Watts made a motion to approve the appointments as presented. Commissioner Hammer seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

The following information was discussed during Other Business:

1. Rick French, County Manager, presented several items to the Board for approval including the Western North Carolina Local Government Caucus Resolution, the Rescue Squad Contract, and an amendment to the Library Board Bylaws to change the meeting time from 4:15 PM to 4:00 PM.

Commissioner Robertson suggested authorizing the Library Board to change meeting times from now on without the approval of the Board of Commissioners.

Commissioner Robertson made a motion to approve the Western North Carolina Local Government Caucus Resolution, the Rescue Squad Contract, and the amendment to the Library Board Bylaws. Commissioner Odom seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

2. Mr. French also stated that he had spoken with Keith Hertzler, EDC and Chamber of Commerce Director, regarding the Duke Power Carolina Investment program which would provide $50,000 for new and expanding industries in North Carolina. Mr. French noted that staff would be researching this program further.
3. Mr. French also discussed the $450,000 USDA no-interest loan originally for the purchase of property for the new state prison. Mr. French stated that he had met with officials from EnergyUnited Water Corporation, Town of Taylorsville, and Duke Power regarding the loan. Mr. French also noted that he would be talking with the Local Government Commission (LGC) regarding the loan.

Commissioner Watts made a motion to enter into Closed Session at 8:00 PM to discuss contractual matters pursuant to N.C.G.S. 143-318.11(a)(5). Commissioner Hammer seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

Upon returning to Open Session, Commissioner Odom made a motion to enter into the terms of the lease agreement for the Bethlehem property which includes a lease of 4,100 square feet at $3,000 per month for 5 years. Commissioner Watts seconded the motion.

Commissioner Hammer requested an amendment to the motion to include a renewal option as well as an opt out clause in the lease agreement for the Bethlehem property. Commissioner Robertson made a motion to approve the amendment as requested. Commissioner Hammer seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

Commissioner Odom made a motion to enter into the lease agreement with the renewal option and opt out clause included. Commissioner Watts seconded the motion. The Board voted 4 for the motion (Commissioners Hammer, Harbinson, Odom, and Watts) and 1 against the motion (Commissioner Robertson). Motion carried.

There being no further business, Commissioner Robertson made a motion to adjourn at 8:45 PM. Commissioner Odom seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

  Joel C. Harbinson, Chairman           Jamie C. Millsaps, Clerk to the Board